Sunday, May 11, 2025
5/11/2025
Interdisciplinary Training Program in Immunology - PROJECT SUMMARY: The Interdisciplinary Training Program in Immunology (ITPI), currently in its 45th year of funding, represents the primary support for graduate students in Immunology at the University of Chicago. The program is embodied by the Committee on Immunology, an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental academic unit that serves as the scientific community for immunology graduate students, postdocs, and faculty at the University. The ITPI supports eight training slots and features 34 distinguished faculty selected for their outstanding research and training records, their well-funded laboratories, and their dynamic involvement in all aspects of graduate education. Their research spans a broad spectrum of modern areas of immunology including cellular and molecular immunology, biochemistry, genomics, and microbiome studies, with a proven record of interdisciplinary collaborations. New strength stems from the recent implementation of the Computational & Systems Immunology (CSI) specialty track for Immunology trainees seeking the advanced conceptual and technical training needed to tackle immunological questions using quantitative and systems-level genomic approaches. This initiative is buoyed by our recent recruitment of eight junior faculty who are emerging leaders in three priority areas, including CSI, human immunology, and molecular engineering, as well as the development of two new specialized graduate courses in data sciences tailored specifically for Immunology trainees. All students in the ITPI receive advanced training through courses focused on the critical analysis of primary literature and experimental design, with special emphasis on bioinformatics skills, rigor and reproducibility, and the responsible conduct of research. The comprehensive training includes a weekly Seminar Series, Work-in- Progress forum, and Journal Club, as well as unique scientific events such as the Joint Immunology Retreat and the T32 Career Perspectives in Immunology virtual event, which both stem from a joint partnership with Washington University in St. Louis. Career development is enhanced through MyChoice, an institutional program enabling trainees to further develop academic skills and gain exposure to a broad array of research-intensive career paths. The Biological Sciences Division provides strong institutional support, as shown by sustained financial and administrative support, the operation of cutting-edge core facilities, and the implementation of major initiatives such as the Duchossois Family Institute, which aims to harness the power of the microbiome and immunity for human health. The ITPI is continuously and rigorously evaluated with respect to organization, process, objectives, and outcomes. This is one of the most outstanding and competitive training programs in the country, as shown by the diverse nature of the student body, the high retention and completion rates of our trainees, their impressive publication record (average of five publications per trainee, including many first-author publications in high-impact journals (IF>20), and their success in securing independent careers in research- intensive and research-related areas.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).